Gourmet Kitchen Design & Remodeling

A typical full kitchen remodel takes 6-8 weeks from demolition to completion. This timeline includes:

Week 1: Demolition, plumbing/electrical rough-in, structural work
Weeks 2-3: Drywall, painting, flooring installation
Weeks 4-5: Cabinet installation, countertop templating and installation
Weeks 6-7: Backsplash tile work, appliance installation, lighting
Week 8: Final touches, inspections, punch list completion

Larger or more complex projects (such as kitchens requiring structural modifications or custom millwork) may extend to 10-12 weeks. We provide a detailed timeline during your design consultation and keep you informed throughout the process.

Kitchen remodel costs vary significantly based on size, material selections, and scope of work:

Mid-Range Remodel: $45,000 - $75,000 (standard cabinets, quartz countertops, mid-range appliances)
High-End Remodel: $75,000 - $125,000 (custom cabinets, premium stone, luxury appliances)
Ultra-Luxury: $125,000+ (designer cabinets, exotic stone, professional-grade appliances, structural changes)

Investment factors include cabinet quality and finish, countertop material selection, appliance brand and features, extent of electrical/plumbing updates, and whether structural modifications are required. We provide transparent, detailed estimates during your initial consultation so you can make informed decisions about where to invest for maximum impact.

Yes, most homeowners remain in their homes during kitchen remodels, though it requires planning and flexibility. Here's what to expect:

Temporary Kitchen Setup: We recommend setting up a temporary cooking area in another room with a microwave, toaster oven, and mini-fridge
Dust Protection: We seal off the kitchen work area with plastic barriers to minimize dust spread to other areas
Water Access: Your water may be temporarily shut off during plumbing work days (typically 1-2 days)
Noise: Construction hours are typically 8 AM - 5 PM on weekdays, with particularly noisy work scheduled mid-day when possible

Some clients prefer to take a vacation during the demolition and initial rough-in phases (first 2-3 weeks) when disruption is highest, then return for the finishing stages. We maintain excellent communication throughout to help you plan around major milestones.

Cabinet quality and customization options vary significantly across these three categories:

Stock Cabinets: Pre-manufactured in standard sizes (3-inch increments), limited color/style options, available quickly (2-4 weeks), most affordable option, good for budget-conscious remodels
Semi-Custom Cabinets: Standard sizes with extensive customization options, hundreds of door styles and finishes, special features like pull-outs and organizers available, 6-8 week lead time, mid-range pricing, best value for most projects
Custom Cabinets: Built to exact specifications for your space, unlimited design options, premium wood species and exotic finishes, specialized features tailored to your needs, 10-12 week lead time, highest investment, ideal for unique spaces or luxury builds

For most Los Angeles kitchen remodels, we recommend semi-custom cabinets that provide excellent quality and customization options at a reasonable price point. We'll review samples and discuss options during your design consultation.

Both materials are excellent choices, with distinct characteristics to consider:

Quartz Benefits: Non-porous (never needs sealing), consistent patterns and colors, extremely durable and scratch-resistant, low maintenance, antimicrobial surface, great for busy families
Granite Benefits: Natural stone with unique patterns, heat-resistant (can place hot pans directly), classic luxury appearance, often less expensive than premium quartz, adds natural character
Quartz Drawbacks: Can show water spots/fingerprints on dark colors, not completely heat-proof (use trivets), seams visible on long runs
Granite Drawbacks: Requires periodic sealing (every 1-2 years), some colors can stain if not properly sealed, patterns vary from slab to slab

For most Los Angeles kitchens, we recommend quartz for its durability and low maintenance, especially for families with children. However, for clients who love natural stone character and don't mind occasional sealing, granite remains an excellent choice. We'll show you samples of both during your consultation.

Yes, most kitchen remodels in Los Angeles require permits, and we handle all permitting for you as part of our service. Here's what typically requires permits:

Always Requires Permits: Electrical work (new circuits, outlets, lighting), plumbing modifications (moving sinks, gas lines, water lines), structural changes (removing walls, adding beams), HVAC work (new ventilation hoods)
Sometimes Requires Permits: Cabinet installation (if combined with electrical/plumbing), flooring replacement (depending on scope), window/door modifications
Rarely Requires Permits: Paint and finishes only, cabinet refacing, hardware replacement, appliance replacement (like-for-like)

As a fully licensed California contractor (License #1147700), we manage the entire permit process including applications, plan submissions, required inspections, and final sign-offs. This ensures your remodel is completed to code and protects your property value. Attempting unpermitted work can lead to fines, difficulty selling your home, and liability issues. Our experience navigating Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety ensures smooth approvals and inspections.

The ideal kitchen layout depends on your space dimensions, lifestyle, and how you use your kitchen. Common layouts include:

L-Shaped: Great for open-concept spaces, efficient work triangle, leaves room for dining table or island, ideal for 10x10 to 12x15 spaces
U-Shaped: Maximum counter and storage space, multiple work zones, great for serious cooks, requires at least 8 feet between opposite sides
Galley: Highly efficient for smaller spaces, excellent work triangle, perfect for 7-8 foot wide spaces, limited for multiple cooks
Island Layout: Adds prep space and seating, creates visual focal point, requires 42-48 inches clearance around island, ideal for 12x15+ spaces
Peninsula: Alternative to island for tighter spaces, provides additional counter and seating, maintains open feel to adjacent rooms

During your 3D design consultation, we'll analyze your space dimensions, traffic patterns, and cooking habits to recommend the optimal layout. We'll also discuss the kitchen "work triangle" principle (positioning sink, stove, and refrigerator 4-9 feet apart) to ensure maximum efficiency regardless of your layout choice.